Joshua 23:12, Joshua 23:13 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 23:11-16

Here, I. Joshua directs them what to do, that they might persevere in religion, Josh. 23:11. Would we cleave to the Lord, and not forsake him, 1. We must always stand upon our guard, for many a precious soul is lost and ruined through carelessness: ?Take heed therefore, take good heed to yourselves, to your souls (so the word is), that the inward man be kept clean from the pollutions of sin, and closely employed in the service of God.? God has given us precious souls with this charge, ?Take... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:12

Else if ye do in any wise go back ,.... From the Lord and his worship, from his word and ordinances: and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even those that remain among you ; in cities not taken, or in several which the Philistines were in possession of, or lived among them as tributaries to them, if they should take to them, and be free and familiar with them, which may lead on to nearer connections in civil and religious matters: and shall make marriages with them ; marry... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:12

Else if ye do - go back - The soldier who draws back when going to meet the enemy, forfeits his life. These were the Lord's soldiers, and if they drew back they drew back unto perdition, their lives being forfeited by their infidelity. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:12

Verse 12 12.Else if you do in any wise go back, etc According to the usual method observed in the Law, he adds threatening, in order that if they are not sufficiently allured by the divine goodness, they may be aroused by fear to the performance of their duty. It is, indeed, disgraceful for men, when God graciously condescends to invite them, not at once to run forward and meet the invitation by prompt and alert obedience; but such is the lethargy of the flesh, that it always requires to be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:1-16

The last words of the aged servant of God. The influence gained by a long and successful life is immense. It was so in Joshua's case, for it outlasted his life, and continued as long as any of his former colleagues and companions in arms were alive. It was only when a fresh generation arose who knew him not, save by the report of the younger men, such as Othniel, that Israel declined from the true path. Joshua's last charge, therefore, is full of interest and profit. I. HOW A LONG... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:12

Go back. Literally, return. Cleave. A word (see Joshua 23:8 ) signifying close and intimate relationship. And the intimacy of the relationship is indicated, as in Joshua 23:8 , by the use of the preposition בְּ . Make marriages with them. No closer or more intimate relationship is possible than this. Nothing, therefore, would be more certain to draw the Israelites away from their allegiance to God, and to seduce them and their children into the false and corrupt worship of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 23:12-13

Joshua 23:12-13. If ye in any wise go back From God, and from his worship and service. They shall be snares and traps to you By your converse with them, you will be drawn by degrees into their errors, and impieties, and brutish lusts. Thorns in your eyes When they have seduced, and thereby weakened you, then they will molest and vex you, no less than a severe scourge doth a man’s sides which are lashed by it, or than a small thorn doth the eye when it is got within it. Till ye perish ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:1-16

23:1-24:33 JOSHUA’S FAREWELLNothing is recorded of events that occurred between Joshua’s division of the land and his farewell addresses to the nation many years later. His life was now drawing to a close (see v. 14), and he called Israel’s leaders together to pass on some encouragement and warning (23:1-2). He assured them that God would continue to fight for his people till all the remaining Canaanites were destroyed, provided his people remained true to the covenant. They were to love God,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Joshua 23:12

Else. The Hebrew accent (Legarmeh) puts the pause or emphasis on this word, as marking the solemn alternative. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Joshua 23:12

"Else if you do at all go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you; know for a certainty that Jehovah your God will no more drive these nations out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap unto you, and a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which Jehovah your God hath given you."These verses indicate that the... read more